Rhododendron groenlandicum 'Compactum'
A dwarf evergreen shrub, 30-45cm high, with an upright to rounded habit. Young stems are coated in a woolly reddish-brown felt, and the small, ovate, dark green leaves have rust-coloured felting on the undersides. Produces small rounded clusters of tiny white flowers with prominent white stamens, from late spring to early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, though this species will tolerate some waterlogging. Position in partial or dappled shade; full sun may be tolerated if the soil does not dry out. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required; may be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain shape
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases
Get involved
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